October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a critical time to focus on protecting personal information in the digital age. With social media playing such a large role in our daily lives, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential cyber threats lurking in online interactions. Scammers often use details from social media profiles — like the name of your pet or the high school you attended — to break through common security questions. In today’s interconnected world, taking steps to secure your online presence is more important than ever.
One of the first steps you can take is being selective about who you accept as a follower. While it might seem harmless to accept new friend requests, doing so without caution can expose sensitive information. Social media platforms allow you to filter what different follower groups can see, providing an added layer of security. In addition, it’s a good practice to review your privacy settings regularly, especially when platforms update their policies. Checking third-party app permissions and disconnecting those you no longer use is another way to safeguard your information.
Creating strong and unique passwords is equally essential. If you reuse the same password across multiple accounts, a hacker gaining access to one could compromise them all. Utilizing multifactor authentication (MFA) is another valuable layer of protection requiring additional verification beyond just your password. MFA acts as a digital lock ensuring that, even if someone has your password, they can’t access your account without the second verification step.
Lastly, be cautious of unsolicited messages and phishing scams which are increasingly common on social media. Scammers often impersonate well-known individuals or companies to trick users into revealing personal information or clicking harmful links. Applying the SLAM method — scrutinizing the Sender, Link, Attachments, and Message — can help you avoid these traps.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can enjoy the benefits of social media while keeping your accounts secure.
